What does a high bit depth in digital imaging primarily improve?

A high bit depth in digital imaging primarily improves dynamic range. Bit depth refers to the number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel in an image. In imaging systems, a higher bit depth allows for a greater range of possible values for each pixel, which translates to a broader dynamic range. This means that the image can capture finer differences in intensity, allowing for more subtle variations in brightness and color to be represented.

For instance, with a higher bit depth, more shades of gray can be distinguished in a grayscale image, leading to smoother transitions between highlights and shadows. This is particularly important in medical imaging, where accurate representation of soft tissue or differences in density is crucial for diagnostic purposes.

While contrast sensitivity is related to how well details can be seen against a background, it is not directly improved by increasing bit depth. Instead, dynamic range more accurately reflects the improvement that comes from using higher bit depths in imaging systems.